How HSE International Relations Students Intern at UN Economic Commission for Africa
This year, third-year students of the International Relations programme Arsenii Armanshin and Arkady Tsvetkov travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the Africa Track. They secured internships with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In an interview with the HSE News Service, they spoke about their journey, work responsibilities, and the experience they gained.
Arsenii Armanshin
Securing the Internship
I first learned about the internship at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) last year, when two students from the Africa Track, which is organised by the HSE Centre for African Studies, were selected for the programme. I had already been working closely with the centre for quite some time, actively participating in its expert and analytical activities. I had also joined several working trips, including visits to Africa. Over that period, I managed to demonstrate my capabilities, build a strong portfolio, and, after submitting my CV and motivation letter, I was offered the internship.
The Work
The internship lasts for six months, so even after returning home we continue our work remotely. During the on-site stage in Addis Ababa, we assisted the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID), primarily with technical and administrative tasks. We prepared supporting documentation for projects, drafted terms of reference for invited experts, compiled briefing notes and questions for forum speakers, took notes during sessions, and prepared reports based on them. We were also involved in analytical work. One of our upcoming tasks is to prepare a report assessing the status and quality of the implementation of selected UN policies in a number of African countries.
Building Professional Connections
As participants in the internship, we represented not only ourselves as students but also HSE University and, in particular, the Centre for African Studies. Strengthening professional networks within UNECA and other international organisations therefore became an important part of our mission. We had the opportunity to meet the head of a larger division that includes our partner unit. In addition, during an Easter service at a church of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, we met a Russian employee of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). This acquaintance gave us the opportunity to visit the FAO headquarters and deliver a presentation about the HSE Centre for African Studies.
English Language in Ethiopia
I have visited Africa several times before and have grown accustomed to the local pace of life, so I was excited about the prospect of discovering another country on this remarkable continent. Proud Ethiopia, home to one of Africa’s oldest state traditions, was never colonised. As a result, European languages have not become deeply rooted in society. Most local residents have only a limited command of English, while Amharic predominates in the capital. Because of this, we learned some basic conversational phrases before our arrival. At the same time, Addis Ababa, as one of Africa’s most important international hubs, is making considerable efforts to adapt to the widespread use of English. It is clear that many people are learning the language, and English appears on most public signs. Within the UNECA office, however, all staff members have an excellent command of English, as fluency is a mandatory requirement. Consequently, language was never a barrier in carrying out our professional responsibilities.
An Exceptional Experience
On the African continent, any form of interaction is built first and foremost on personal relationships, including informal ones. This trip gave me not only an opportunity to strengthen my CV and expand my professional network, but also invaluable experience of living in Africa. During previous short visits, cultural shock and an intensive work schedule often prevented me from fully understanding local realities. Over the course of a month in Addis Ababa, however, we settled into the rhythm of everyday African life and gained a genuine sense of what it is like to live on the continent.
Arkady Tsvetkov
An Opportunity for Everyone
HSE University and UNECA have signed a memorandum of understanding, and every year the HSE Centre for African Studies sends two students to Addis Ababa for an internship. Working at the United Nations is, of course, a dream for many students on our programme, so I was determined to seize the opportunity. I followed the internship announcements closely and applied as soon as the call was published.
Working at the United Nations
In Ethiopia, we completed our internship within the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID) of UNECA. We supported professionals, including advisers, international consultants, and UN staff members, in carrying out their responsibilities. For example, we worked on projects related to the digitalisation of Africa’s energy sector and the development of digital skills among African women.
It was fascinating to observe the work of the United Nations from the inside. You see how decisions are made, how meetings are conducted, which issues are discussed, and what solutions are proposed. You also have the opportunity to speak directly with highly experienced professionals, which I consider especially valuable.
The Greatest Challenge
The most difficult aspect is quickly immersing yourself in a completely unfamiliar subject. For instance, interns may receive a lengthy and highly technical document outlining an action plan for developing digital skills among women in Burkina Faso. You need to read it, understand it rapidly, and be prepared to continue working on the topic almost immediately. Although challenging, the experience is extremely engaging. The opportunity to work at the United Nations, acquire new knowledge, communicate face to face with leading experts, and add such experience to your CV is truly invaluable. Securing this internship is arguably the ultimate achievement for any student on our programme.
Studying at HSE University
I enjoy studying at HSE University. In my experience, the later years of a bachelor’s degree are both easier and far more interesting because students can specialise in a particular region of the world—in my case, Africa—and develop expertise in a focused area. Fortunately, the Africa Track offers excellent opportunities to do exactly that. I hope to continue studying Africa or build my career on the continent.
